Holloway retains BMF title as Poirier retires

Dustin Poirier’s distinguished career ended in defeat at UFC 318 in New Orleans, Louisiana, despite Max Holloway holding the symbolic BMF title.

Holloway became the first fighter to defend the belt that the UFC’s “baddest” fighters won by unanimous decision in a competitive match.

After paying homage to fellow American Poirier, Holloway called out lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.

“I have a connection to the champ,” I said. I’m done talking, said Holloway, but it’s your turn next, baby.

As one of the most renowned athletes to enter the octagon, former interim lightweight champion Poirier, 36, retires.

Poirier, who made his UFC debut in 2011, won 22 of his 32 fights and retired as arguably the best fighter to never win an undisputed title.

“I appreciate this journey and experience. An emotional Poirier thanked (UFC president) Dana White and the UFC for allowing a young person to make a decision in his life and keep their family safe.

Following Poirier’s victories in 2012 and 2019, the pair’s epic rivalry is over at the end of the fight.

After losing to Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title in his most recent fight in 2024, Poirier declared that Holloway would be his final fight.

As Poirier made his way towards the octagon, Lil Wayne, along with rapper Lil Wayne, received a rousing reception in front of his home crowd.

As he requested before the fight out of respect for Poirier, Holloway yelled at him before the fight started, before getting booed out of his walkout.

In a confident first round, Holloway mixed up his leg strikes and effective punches, dropping Poirier with a straight right.

Before the momentum changed, Holloway held on to his position as the leader after knocking Poirier down once more in the second round.

Before the crowd rose to their feet in anticipation of the final round, Holloway and Poirier each made longer combinations but their strikes appeared to be more damaging.

With ten seconds left, Holloway made a trademark gesture and offered to stand and exchange.

Similar to last year’s knockout of Holloway, Poirier fought back in style with the final bell, but he got the better of the lively exchange.

After giving Poirier a few words, the pair exchanged a respectful kiss before moving on.

“Max is a difficult subject in this room. He is the champ because he is slick, crafty, quick, and fast. Max is one of the good guys, and I have nothing but respect for him,” Poirier said.

It’s been incredible as I’ve been pursuing my dreams. I’m a youngster who kicks and kicks in his dream while I’m out here. It is incredible.

The only UFC championship Poirier has ever won was against Holloway in the interim lightweight belt in 2019.

He suffered three unresolved title fights, including those of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Makhachev, but he came out in the end with a stellar resume.

Jorge Masvidal on X: “Congrats on a fantastic career Dustin! It’s been a pleasure to share this journey with you. Thank you for all the positive aspects of your team. Enjoy your retirement, you have more than earned it.

“I thought Dustin’s performance was amazing,” Jon Jones on X said. He still has it without a doubt. However, it’s encouraging to see him leave merely because he wants to. In the future, that needs to become standard. Fighting fighters are getting old and making people mumble.